Primary sources, as described by the Library of Congress, "are the raw materials of history — original documents and objects that were created at the time under study. They are different from secondary sources, accounts that retell, analyze, or interpret events, usually at a distance of time or place. Bringing young people into close contact with these unique, often profoundly personal documents and objects can give them a sense of what it was like to be alive during a long-past era. Helping … [Read more...]
Timely Connections: Worldwide Health Crisis
March 8, 2020 by Leave a Comment
As the world confronts global health problems such as epidemics or pandemics, involve your students in an authentic lesson that looks at past primary sources to increase understanding of health related issues. Encourage students to use past and current information and digital tools to research, make informed decisions and contribute to their own and their community’s health information. This lesson idea, which also includes guiding questions, a curated set of historical primary sources, … [Read more...]
Integrating Technology: Primary Source Crowdsourcing Campaigns
May 6, 2019 by Leave a Comment
By the People is a Library of Congress project that invites anyone to transcribe, review, and tag digitized images of manuscripts and typed materials from the Library’s collections. This is a great literacy activity for students. Come check it out by clicking the links below! By the People Campaigns People Susan B. Anthony Clara Barton: Angel of the Battlefield Carrie Chapman Catt Anna E. Dickinson Letters to Lincoln Alan Lomax: The Man Who Recorded the World Rosa … [Read more...]
Finding Resources: World Digital Library
April 2, 2015 by Leave a Comment
Overview The World Digital Library (WDL) provides access to multilingual primary sources from around the world. It's mission is to promote cross-cultural awareness and understanding by highlighting the stories and achievements of all countries and cultures. WDL "is a project of the U.S. Library of Congress, carried out with the support of the United Nations Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (UNESCO), and in cooperation with libraries, archives, museums, educational institutions, … [Read more...]
Today in History: New Mexico
September 21, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Today in History–September 21–the Library of Congress features New Mexico. On this day in 1595, Don Juan de Oñate's petition and contract for the conquest of New Mexico was presented to Luís de Velasco, the viceroy of Nueva Vizcaya. The petition was ultimately granted and Oñate's expedition set out in 1598. A brutal leader, Oñate was later stripped of his position, fined, and banned in perpetuity from New Mexico. Find out more by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below … [Read more...]
Today in History: Frederick Douglass
September 3, 2012 by 2 Comments
Today in History–September 03–the Library of Congress features the escape from slavery of Frederick Douglass on this day in 1838. Born into slavery, Douglass became a renowned abolitionist, journalist, author, and human rights advocate. Learn more about this remarkable man who never ceased advocating for freedom by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more primary sources and primary source learning activities related to Frederick Douglass. Primary … [Read more...]
Today in History: Columbia University
July 17, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Today in History–July 17–the Library of Congress features Columbia University, first opened as King's College in New York on this day in 1754. There were quite a few influential men among its first students and trustees, including Gouverneur Morris, a primary author of the Constitution; Alexander Hamilton, Federalist Paper author and the nation's first Secretary of the Treasury; and John Jay, the nation's first Chief Justice and also an author of the Federalist Papers. Learn more about this … [Read more...]
Today in History: Vermont
July 9, 2012 by Leave a Comment
![Vermont [Pictorial envelope]](https://primarysourcenexus.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/vermont-110x110.jpg)
Today in History–July 9–the Library of Congress features Vermont, which revised its constitution on this day in 1793 and became the first state to prohibit slavery. Learn more about the "Green Mountain" state known for its independent-minded citizens by visiting the Today in History section, then following the links below to access more primary sources. Vermont stories from America’s Library Vermont primary source set with Teacher’s Guide Vermont images "Visitin' 'round at Coolidge … [Read more...]
Today in History: New York City’s Finest
June 1, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Today in History–June 1–the Library of Congress features the New York City police department, whose annual parade was filmed on this day in 1899. Learn more about "New York City's Finest" by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to discover primary sources about police officers in New York City and other places. Films Police Parade. New York, New York. Thomas A. Edison, Inc. June 1, 1899. New York Harbor Police Boat. New York, New York. Thomas A. Edison, … [Read more...]
Today in History: Transcontinental Railroad Completed
May 10, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Today in History–May 10–the Library of Congress features the U.S. transcontinental railroad, celebrated on this day in 1869 when a symbolic golden spike was driven into the ground at Promontory Summit, in Utah Territory—approximately thirty-five miles away from Promontory Point, the site where the rails of the Union Pacific and Central Pacific were joined. This railroad connected the United States from coast to coast, reducing a four-month journey to just one week. Learn more by visiting … [Read more...]
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